(Radio Iowa) – The state’s Catholic bishops are calling on the half a million Catholics in Iowa to pray for Pope Leo the 14th — the first American born pope. Bishop William Joensen (JOH-en-sen) of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese spoke with reporters a few hours after the new pope was elected.

Joensen was at St. Patrick’s Parish in Council Bluffs when the white smoke rose at the Vatican and Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the new pope.

Bishop William Joensen of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese speaking with reporters on May 8, 2025. (RI photo)

Joensen notes Pope Leo — who grew up in the Chicago area — used the word unity several times in his opening address.

In 2023, Pope Leo was put in charge of the Vatican office that evaluated the nominees for Catholic bishops around the world — and that includes the Catholic bishops Pope Francis appointed to lead the Davenport and Sioux City Dioceses.

Bishop John Keehner (KEEN-er) of the Sioux City Diocese says Pope Leo is “a holy man who will lead us with strong faith and humility.” Bishop Dennis Walsh of the Davenport Diocese says Pope Leo will face many challenges, as did his predecessors, and Walsh asked Catholics to join him in prayer and thanksgiving for the new pope.